30 Best Restaurants in Brazil — Top-Rated Places to Eat!

If there’s one thing that sticks with you after a trip to Brazil, it’s the food. 

Those flavorful fares amid vibrant culture, incredible natural wonders, and those oh-so-scenic beaches. 

But let’s go beyond traditional dishes. 

Brazil has some of the world’s finest culinary spots, crafted by the top international chefs. 

Ever tried a cocktail that you just can’t find back home? 

I’ve sipped on those unique and tantalizing Brazilian concoctions. 

From the glitz of Rio de Janeiro to the pulse of São Paulo, you’ll discover tastes that transcend borders. 

Looking for the best restaurants in Brazil for your next visit?

Buckle up because I’ve got quite the selection for you in this article, handpicked from the country’s endless culinary canvas.

Best Restaurants In Brazil Compared

Craving a taste of Brazil? 

I’ve got you covered with our handpicked list of the best restaurants in the country.

Here are the top 30 restaurants in Brazil open right now.

1. D.O.M (Editor’s Choice)

R. Barão de Capanema, 549 – Jardins
São Paulo – SP, 01411-011, Brazil
(11) 96918-9947
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D.O.M Restaurante specializes in haute cuisine from world-renowned chef Alex Atala, who reinvents meals with innovative ingredients.

Ratings Criteria

• Taste & Variety: 5/5
• Service: 4/5
• Atmosphere: 4/5
• Affordability: 2/5
• Accessibility: 3/5

Pros

• Inventive culinary delights: D.O.M is a paradise for adventurous taste buds. Chef Alex Atala crafts innovative dishes that push culinary boundaries, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
• Exquisite service: The staff’s attention to detail and menu knowledge elevate the dining experience. You’re in for a treat as they guide you through a gastronomic journey.

Cons

• Higher price point: A dining experience at D.O.M is a luxury and comes with a price tag to match. 
• Limited accessibility: Its upscale nature can make D.O.M a bit exclusive. Securing a reservation might be challenging, so plan ahead if you’re aiming to dine here.

Why It Made The List

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, then this should be one of the main reasons why.

This two Michelin star restaurant tops the most popular restaurants to try for any foodie, as it boasts the best fine dining in Brazil with a 12-course gourmet dinner served in an impressive, high-ceilinged dining room with cool beige walls and Philippe Starck chandeliers.

It’s famed for its unique culinary marvels created by internationally acclaimed chef Alex Atala, as well as diverse Brazilian specialties and a wonderful cocktail menu featuring rare Brazilian wines.

Popular Dishes to Try

The tasting menu is the greatest way to experience D.O.M.’s gastronomy, which is created by the chef’s extensive research and usage of authentic Brazilian ingredients.

You’ll see a wide range of uncommon and interesting delicacies utilized, including deadly Amazonian fish, Atlantic forest herbs, tribal medicinal roots, and the famed pink Brazilian ants, which are known to convey the flavor of the plants they eat.

2. Mani

R. Joaquim Antunes, 210 – Jardim Paulistano
São Paulo – SP, 05415-010, Brazil
(11) 97473-8994
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Mani, a fine-dining institution in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is led by award-winning chef Helena Rizzo and serves gourmet cuisine crafted using Brazilian, Asian, and European ingredients.

Ratings Criteria

• Taste & Variety: 4/5
• Service: 5/5
• Atmosphere: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accessibility: 4/5

Pros

• Harmonious flavors: Mani’s focus on locally sourced ingredients shines through in their dishes. The flavors are balanced, celebrating Brazilian produce in every bite.
• Top-notch service: The attentive and friendly staff make you feel like a welcomed guest. Their dedication to providing a seamless dining experience adds to Mani’s charm.

Cons

• Moderate affordability: While not as pricey as some upscale establishments, Mani’s cost might not fit every budget.
• Occasional crowds: Mani’s popularity can lead to a bustling atmosphere. This might not be your ideal choice if you prefer a quieter, more intimate dining experience.

Why It Made The List

Awarded by one Michelin star, Mani is one of the best dinner places in Brazil if you want a lavish meal in a luxurious setting, complete with a covered terrace surrounded by lush green plants.

You’d have a wonderful dining experience here whenever you visit, with its innovative food that brings out the finest in local, native products.

In addition, enjoy the magnificent European-inspired interior with stucco walls decorated with mirrors and art, rustic furniture and a color palette of white, cobalt, and yellow, music playing in the background, mood lighting, and the top-notch service it offers.

Popular Dishes to Try

We recommend Chef Helena Rizzo’s largest tasting menu, which includes a pancake with açai berry mole and mouse from bee pollen and honey sprinkled with leaf cutter ants, complete with a wine pairing.

There are also a la carte choices for lunch and dinner if you don’t prefer the tasting menu.

3. A Figueira Rubaiyat

Rua Haddock Lobo, 1738 – Jardim Paulista
São Paulo – SP, 01415-000, Brazil
(11) 3087-1399
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Under a large 200-year-old fig tree, A Figueira Rubaiyat is an elegant restaurant with a covered terrace serving grilled meats and seafood.

Ratings Criteria

• Taste & Variety: 4/5
• Service: 5/5
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Affordability: 2/5
• Accessibility: 3/5

Pros

• Enchanting atmosphere: Dining beneath the sprawling branches of a massive fig tree is an experience like no other. 
• Superb service: The attentive and knowledgeable staff caters to your needs, enhancing your overall dining experience. 

Cons

• Higher price range: A Figueira Rubaiyat’s enchantment comes at a cost. It’s not the most budget-friendly option, so it’s worth considering if it aligns with your dining budget.
• Limited accessibility: Its popularity and unique setting can lead to limited availability, making securing a reservation challenging during peak times.

Why It Made The List

The coolest factor that makes it one of the best places to eat in Brazil is the décor.

The restaurant, which is built around a giant, ancient fig tree, continues the natural vibe with a sweeping hardwood deck and wooden furnishings, creating a jungle-like scene.

The décor, however, does not detract from the delectable flavors of the restaurant’s cuisine, which includes robust feijoada, tender steaks, and fresh seafood.

Popular Dishes to Try

Try the chips with roast beef carpaccio, a dish that wonderfully balances the saltiness of the fries with the tenderness of the beef.

They also offer a great wine list, with a few reds by the glass and a long regional list that includes ports, sherries, and dessert wines.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Mercure Sao Paulo Vila Olimpia

4. A Bela Sintra

R. Bela Cintra, 2325 – Jardim Paulista
São Paulo – SP, 01415-002, Brazil
(11) 3891-0740
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A Bela Sintra is known for serving the best Portuguese food in São Paulo.

Why It Made The List

If you’re in São Paulo, A Bela Sintra is a must-visit. 

This restaurant brings Portugal’s flavors to Brazil unlike any other.

Owned by the charming Carlos Bettencourt, who’s been in Brazil for 35 years, it’s all about the bacalhau. 

The ambiance is elegant, and the menu is simply divine. 

Compared to other restaurants in the area, A Bela Sintra stands out for its authenticity and family touch.

Whether you’re craving cod or filet mignon, this place has it all. 

 A Bela Sintra is a culinary experience you won’t forget.

Popular Dishes to Try

A Bela Sintra’s bacalhau dishes are to die for.

It’s a taste sensation from Nunca Chega, a classic pot with ham, eggs, and potato chips, to Lagareiro, oven-baked in olive oil.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Total Hotel

5. Fogo de Chão

Av. Reporter Nestor Moreira, s/n – Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-210, Brazil
(21) 2542-1545
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Fogo de Chão, a high-end Brazilian business with all-you-can-eat steak sliced tableside and a big salad bar, was founded in 1979 in Southern Brazil.

Why It Made The List

Fogo de Chão has come to embody traditional Brazilian BBQ and provides a one-of-a-kind eating experience that lets customers savor the best of Brazilian meat.

As one of the best rated restaurants in Brazil, it serves a delicious buffet with a wide selection of meat dishes and salads, as waiters move around with massive skewers of meat, pausing at each table to offer patrons the numerous food options.

Popular Dishes to Try

We recommend getting the most bang for your buck, especially with the wonderful salad buffet, and because it’s rodizio-style, you could have unlimited servings of meat sliced at your table.

Customers raved about returning simply for the salad-only option, which includes a variety of meat and fish.

The meat itself is delicious, and you could always count on it being cooked to your liking.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity

Also See:
Best Restaurants in Chile

6. Aprazível

R. Aprazível, 62 – Santa Teresa
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20241-270, Brazil
(21) 2507-1277
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In a country-home setting with gardens and vistas of Rio, Aprazvel serves handmade Brazilian food and cachaça.

Why It Made The List

Aprazivel has a reputation for being romantic and whimsical, with intimate corners for couples and a crowd-pleasing backdrop for sizable groups.

It has a wonderfully rustic terrace high on the Santa Teresa hillside where you can gaze out over the city and take in some of Rio de Janeiro’s most breathtaking vistas.

As for the food, every meal is homemade and cooked using locally sourced ingredients, with the occasional strange but delicious additions like ducks, goats, and lambs.

Popular Dishes to Try

Choose the Carioca Rice with Shrimp for the main course, which has big shrimp encased in rice and topped with a lovely, fat langoustine.

It’s flavorful, and the broccoli’s chlorophyllic presence helps to balance it out.

For a smooth, energizing cocktail, try the caipirinhas prepared with locally grown cachaça (a distilled alcohol made from fermented sugarcane juice).

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

7. Academia da Cachaça

Rua Conde de Bernadotte, 26 – Leblon
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22430-200, Brazil
(21) 98450-1695
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Academia do Cachaça, a Rio icon with a large range of cachaça and caipirinhas, appetizers, and feijoada, is located in the Terrasse Center.

Why It Made The List

If you’re in Leblon looking for restaurants near you to try Feijoada, which is the famous Brazilian black bean stew, then this is the place to get one!

Apart from that, it’s the ideal place for a fun night out when you can order a lot of Brazilian pub fares, especially the bolinho de carne and pastel de queijo, which are fried meat and cheese dishes to pair with your chosen drink.

The cocktails here are so sweet and delicious that you won’t even realize how powerful they are until the next morning.

Popular Dishes to Try

Not only is the cuisine delicious, but if you’re new to town and want to sample some of the hundreds of cachaça varieties available, you’ve found the right place.

There are so many various types of cachaça to try here that it’s ideal for tourists, amateurs, and experienced drinkers alike.

Don’t forget to request the best ones from your server.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

8. Acqua, São Paulo

Al Antonio José Marques, 2000 – Praia de Camburí
São Sebastião – SP, 11600-000, Brazil
(12) 3865-1866
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Acqua is a restaurant with an outdoor patio specializing in seafood dishes with a combination of Brazilian and Mediterranean flavors.

Why It Made The List

The restaurant is a favorite hot spot in Camburi serving Brazilian-accented Italian cuisine with a chic environment that stylish diners will appreciate.

If you’re unfamiliar with Portuguese customs, couvert refers to food that is given to your table as a convenience so you don’t have to request it, but you must still pay for it if you eat it.

Everything in this restaurant is worth the money, from the couvert to the main course, and you won’t have to worry about trying new things because the dishes are delectable and top-notch.

Popular Dishes to Try

Whatever you order for the appetizer and main course, always end it with a Banana Petit Gateau, which is basically a chocolate banana cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This unusual yet heavenly combination mixes the sweetness of fresh ripe bananas with chocolate, making it so delicious that people of all ages will enjoy it.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Villa Bebek Hotel

9. Amir

R. Ronald de Carvalho, 55 – Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22021-020, Brazil
(21) 2542-7039
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Amir is a rustic Middle Eastern restaurant in Edificio Petrônio that specializes in regional dishes such as falafel, kibbeh, and lamb.

Why It Made The List

Rio has become a gastronomic hotspot for Middle Eastern cuisine as a result of Brazil’s significant Arabic population.

When local Brazilians want the best of the region, they go to Amir, which is a beautifully designed restaurant with warm-toned walls and a cultural fair, plus outstanding service.

There are a lot of Arab restaurants around town but when it comes to Middle Eastern cuisine, Amir carries some of the best food in Brazil.

Popular Dishes to Try

Order the platter for two, which contains baba ganoush, falafel, fattoush, seasoned eggplant, flatbread, and a kushari, for a substantial dinner that’s excellent for sharing.

Come by if you’re really hungry because the portion sizes are huge and more than adequate.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery

Also See:
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Top Restaurants: The Dominican Republic

10. Banana Juice

R. Alcídes Lourenço da Rocha, 178 – Cidade Monções
São Paulo – SP, 04571-110, Brazil
(11) 5102-4918
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In a tranquil setting, Banana’s Juice offers fast food, natural juices, açai in a bowl, rice meals, frozen treats, and tropically inspired burgers.

Why It Made The List

Looking for casual spots to eat lunch or dinner in São Paulo to take a break from the slew of gourmet dining?

Banana Juice is a roadside eatery and juice bar offering simple yet delicious dishes from sandwiches to rice platters.

Popular Dishes to Try

There are many delicious options here, especially if you’re looking for a quick bite, such as the chicken tenders, which may appear strange but are quite juicy and delectable.

Also, try the Suco de Limao, which is a powerful lime juice where you can taste real lime peels.

The açaí bowl, a Brazilian dish created with the frozen and mashed fruit of the açaí palm, is particularly noteworthy, with berries described as having an “earthy” or creamy flavor.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Mercure SP Itaim Bibi – Ex The Capital

11. Bar do Mineiro

Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 – Santa Teresa
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20240-290, Brazil
(21) 2221-9227
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Bar do Mineiro is a famous local bar noted for its feijoada, pastéis, and cachaça, located on the main drinking and dining strip in Santa Teresa.

Why It Made The List

Set aside some time on your next vacation to Rio to visit Bar do Mineiro, one of the local restaurants worth checking out.

This vibrant Rio establishment is on the top of the Santa Teresa hill in the city’s heart, an area known for its winding, narrow streets.

The walls have historic black-and-white images of Rio, and you can sit out front at one of the sidewalk tables where you can take in modern-day Rio.

The restaurant and bar in one deliver substantial servings of meat dishes and a variety of savory pastries that are among the best Brazil eats in the city, as well as delectable alcoholic beverages.

Popular Dishes to Try

The famous feijoadas are available every day, along with appetizers, including pasteis, which are Brazilian savory pastries, and Brazil’s national cocktail called caipirinhas.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Days Inn by Wyndham Rio de Janeiro Lapa

Related: Best Beaches in Brazil

12. Bráz (Bráz Pizzaria)

R. Vupabussu, 271 – Pinheiros
São Paulo – SP, 05429-040, Brazil
(11) 3037-7975
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Bráz Pizzaria, an award-winning pizzeria franchise offering appetizers, a wine selection, and classic toppings in a comfortable atmosphere, has been open for more than 20 years.

Why It Made The List

Bráz Pizzaria has been named one of the top ten pizza restaurants in the world by national newspapers in the past, and many individuals can attest to the truth in that.

They deliver the most authentic-tasting Italian pizza outside of New York and Italy in an old-school Italian set-up with European decor that provides just the right amount of comfort and nostalgia.

Popular Dishes to Try

Try one of Bráz’s Exclusive Pizzas like he Alcachofrinha, which is made of Caciocavallo cheese slices topped with Italian artichokes, and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Another notable option is the Caprese, which is topped with Mozzarella slices, red khari tomato slices, thick slices of buffalo bocconcini, giant basil leaves, and black olive pesto.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Oscar Freire

13. Capim Santo

Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 2705 – Jardim Paulistano
São Paulo – SP, 01451-000, Brazil
(11) 3032-2277
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Capim Santo, located in Museu da Casa Brasileira, serves a wide range of traditional Brazilian meals, vegetarian options, and a lunch buffet in a beautiful, nature-themed setting.

Why It Made The List

If you’re looking for an impressive dining experience to share with a loved one in São Paulo, Capim Santo takes the cake.

With its majestic rain forest aesthetic both indoors and outdoors, it’s the ideal place for any occasion – may it be a casual lunch on the airy patio, an intimate dinner date, or a friendly gathering with a large group.

Popular Dishes to Try

We recommend going for the lunch buffet where you can enjoy vast choices of delectable authentic Brazilian dishes from a vegetable station to the main table filled with bread, stew, made-to-order pasta, and fish entrees.

Note: You won’t find desserts on the buffet, but you can check out the menu and order one for an additional charge.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Vila Olimpia Sao Paulo

14. Carlota

Rua Sergipe, 753 – Higienópolis
São Paulo – SP, 01243-001, Brazil
(11) 3661-8670
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Chef Carla Pernambuco runs Carlota, a huge, stylish restaurant where she prepares Brazilian and multicultural food.

Why It Made The List

Carlota, which looks like a vast, cozy-elegant house and serves homemade-tasting meals, is the place to go if you’re a native of Brazil and you’re missing authentic home-style cooking.

Carla Pernambuco, the chef, and owner is an internationally trained chef whose compositions combine French, Italian, Eastern, and Brazilian cuisines to create delectable dishes.

Popular Dishes to Try

No one does desserts like Chef Carla, so you should try the Suflê de Goiabada, which is a guava paste soufflé with warm cream cheese.

For entrees, sample the pescada amarela com risoto de limão siciliano, which translates to yellow hake filet with Sicilian lemon risotto.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Blu São Paulo

15. Casa Da Feijoada

R. Prudente de Moraes n°10-B – Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22420-040, Brazil
(21) 2247-2776
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Since 1989, Casa Da Feijoada has been a traditional restaurant serving feijoada and sides on a pleasant terrace.

Why It Made The List

Feijoada, a hearty black bean and pork stew, is more than a meal in Brazil; it’s a way of life, which is what this restaurant prides itself on.

This local restaurant, which is located just a few meters from Ipanema beach, has been serving locals and tourists for nearly 30 years, seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Although the Feijoada is their signature meal, they also provide traditional foods from other Brazilian regions, such as beef and seafood entrees, as well as a variety of homemade desserts.

Popular Dishes to Try

Never visit without sampling the famed Feijoada, which inspired the restaurant’s name.

There may be a lot of Feijoadas around, but this specific restaurant makes one of the best, which customers have expressed to be the most memorable one out of all Feijoadas they’ve tasted.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Miramar Hotel by Windsor

16. Chez L’Ami Martin

Av. das Américas, 4666 – 147 – Barra da Tijuca
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22640-102, Brazil
(21) 3429-7661
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Chez L’ami Martin, a Parisian café located within Barra Shopping, serves classic French food in an elevated setting within a mall.

Why It Made The List

Are you looking for one of Rio de Janeiro’s most memorable experiences?

Chez L’ami Martin is renowned not only for its delectable cuisine but also for its superior service.

It’s not what you’d expect to find at any typical restaurant, thanks to servers who assist visitors with menu selections and greet them warmly from the moment they walk in.

Enjoy delectable French dishes, sophisticated ambiance, and top-notch service in one of the good restaurants in Brazil for a quiet lunch.

Popular Dishes to Try

Lovers of European food will appreciate the Viennese Chicken, which is a chicken breast breaded with the house’s crispy flour, served with arugula leaves, roasted tomato, and confit lemon, and served with Sicilian lemon risotto.

For desserts, the Clafoutis Loire Valley is a must-try, which is a beautifully presented, traditional almond cream pie filled with raspberry jam and served with berry salad and blackberry ice cream.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro

17. Copa Café

Av. Maranhão, 62 – Zona 1
Cianorte – PR, 87200-246, Brazil
(44) 3637-6234
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Copa Café, a small kiosk in Shopping Urbano, offers a lunch buffet with homemade and diversified dishes in a lovely setting.

Why It Made The List

If you’re searching for the best lunch in Brazil, you’d get some of them here at Copa Café in Cianorte, which is a self-service buffet carrying several options of delectable Brazilian classics, from stuffed potatoes to sweet pies.

There are also a variety of hot and cold dishes, and they’re served in a clean space with a neat and spacious dining area, white crisp tablecloths, and helpful servers.

Popular Dishes to Try

After getting the most out of the buffet, we highly recommend finishing your meal with a frozen treat called Cappuccino Gelado, which tastily combines coffee, ice cream, and Ovaltine.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Cianorte Diamond

Related: Best Hotels in Brazil

18. CT Boucherie

Rua Dias Ferreira, 636 – Leblon
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22431-050, Brazil
(21) 2529-2329
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CT Boucherie, owned by renowned chef Claude Troisgros, is a quaint French bistro with a view of the street that serves premium cuts of grilled beef and wine.

Why It Made The List

This restaurant is noted for its haute cuisine and chef-d’oeuvre, as well as its great French dishes, fine French wines, and endless sides.

Under its lovely red and white umbrella, CT Boucherie serves a “rodizio,” which is an all-you-can-eat variety of vegetables to go with the 12 à la carte steak options.

The restaurant’s popularity also entails long wait periods, but the greatest part is that you’ll be served nicely while you wait.

Popular Dishes to Try

CT Boucherie will wow you with an endless supply of well-prepared, one-of-a-kind delicacies.

For example, if you order a steak, it will just come with the steak; your mashed potatoes and vegetables will come from the side dishes that the waiter would bring out every 8 minutes or so.

You can order any steak cut you like, as well as any of the excellent side dishes they have available.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Nacional Rio de Janeiro

19. Dalva e Dito

R. Padre João Manuel, 1115 – Jardins
São Paulo – SP, 01411-001, Brazil
(11) 3068-4444
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Dalva e Dito, which opened in 2009, delivers traditional Brazilian cuisine created by chef Alex Atala in a rustic-modern environment.

Why It Made The List

Dalva e Dito, another well-known restaurant in São Paulo, is run by Chef Alex Atala and serves delectable Brazilian food in an informal setting that is homier than the upscale vibes in D.O.M.

The restaurant’s ambiance and service are nice and welcoming, and they provide a large selection of wine and various beverages.

Your overall visit is well worth the money, and it’s one of the best restaurants downtown for both locals and visitors to check out in São Paulo.

Popular Dishes to Try

Try the Surubim, which comes highly recommended by the servers, if you’re undecided about which meal to order.

It’s essentially a white fish meal served with rice and a delightfully juicy, buttery sauce, and paired with shrimp pasteis as an appetizer for added flavor.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pullman Sao Paulo Ibirapuera

20. Devassa

R. Visconde de Pirajá 539
Rio de Janeiro – RJ 22410-003 Brazil
(21) 2540-8380
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Only a few steps from the beach and in the heart of Ipanema, Devassa is a bar from the Devassa beer brand that serves home brews and various pub fares.

Why It Made The List

Devassa is a wonderful location to check out if you’re searching for a place to have a couple of beers at any time.

It’s almost always open, with hours ranging from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day.

Devassa can accommodate your demands, whether you’re craving an ice-cold beer or planning an impromptu drinking trip with buddies.

Popular Dishes to Try

We recommend sitting outside at a table and sharing some classic Brazilian delicacies like manioca and feijoada, as well as American fried appetizers like cheese and bacon fries.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro

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21. El Gordo (Pousada e Restaurante El Gordo)

Praça São João Quadrado
Porto Seguro – BA, 45818-000, Brazil
(73) 3668-2041
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Pousada El Gordo is a hotel in Trancoso which is 50 meters from Quadrado Square and has an on-site restaurant that serves worldwide cuisine as well as Brazilian and seafood specialties.

Why It Made The List

This sleek and modest café looks straight out of South Beach, with bright and white furniture, a gorgeous blue pool, and a location that looks majestic at night.

Aside from the stunning environment overlooking the sea, there’s also ambient music and delectable meals made from high-quality ingredients to round off the experience.

Popular Dishes to Try

We suggest the octopus and truffle pasta with lobster for the main course, or the whiting fish served with rice, banana, and spicy shrimp if you like your food with a little spice.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pousada El Gordo

22. Estação Eisenbahn

Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos, Guarulhos
São Paulo, 07190-010, Brazil
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Estaço Eisenbahn is a brewery with a designated bar in Terminal 1 of Guarulhos International Airport that serves Eisenbahn draft beers as well as a variety of pub grubs.

Why It Made The List

If you enjoy beer, this is the best place to enjoy one while waiting for your plane near the GRU airport’s boarding gates.

The offerings are a bit pricey, but it’s known for its convenience and the good food it provides, especially if you have a long wait and need to pass time.

Popular Dishes to Try

If you love beer, the Eisenbahn Dunkel is nice to drink to calm your nerves before the flight and pair it with some warm meat croquettes to keep your hunger at bay.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pullman Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport

23. Filial

Rua Fidalga, 254
São Paulo – SP 05432-000 Brazil
(11) 3501-2880
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Filial is a quaint gastropub in the Vila Madalena neighborhood that serves draft beer, drinks, pub grub, and dinner plates from sunset to (before) sunrise.

Why It Made The List

Filial is one of the few locations open late on a Sunday night, making it a popular hangout spot for local Paulistanos looking for drinks after hours.

This place is worth a visit if you’re looking for strong cocktails, excellent service, and delicious food served until closing time.

Popular Dishes to Try

Try the famous Rice Balls, which is a Brazilian bar snack similar to fried rice cakes.

Pair it with a strong yet sweet caipirinha com frutas vermelhas, which is a Brazilian cocktail with strawberries and blackberries.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: L’Hotel PortoBay São Paulo

24. Gero Rio

Av. Vieira Souto, 80 – Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22420-000, Brazil
(21) 3202-4030
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Gero Rio, which opened in 2002, is a stylish restaurant that serves modern Italian cuisine in a well-furnished setting.

Why It Made The List

If you can’t decide where to eat in Brazil, we recommend Gero Rio, which is one of Rio’s top Italian restaurants, comparable to the best in Chicago or New York City.

Everything they serve, from the couvert bread to the wine, is top-notch, and the entire menu includes exquisite Italian favorites.

If you’re staying atHotel Fasano or nearby, this is a beautiful Italian restaurant to have your dinner complete with outstanding service and a refined yet welcoming setting.

Popular Dishes to Try

If you get overwhelmed with the choices, try the ravioli de carne de vitela com molho de cogumelos, which is a ravioli stuffed with veal with mushroom sauce.

Don’t forget to explore the wine list for the perfect pairing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

25. Havanna

Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos Terminal 2, Guarulhos
São Paulo, 07190-972, Brazil
(11) 2208-6895
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Havanna is an Argentinian coffee shop in Guarulhos International Airport that is a designated store of Havanna, the largest producer of premium alfajores and other dessert items.

Why It Made The List

Havanna is yet another eatery in Guarulhos International Airport along with Estação Eisenbahn, where you can avail yourself of delectable treats before or after your flight.

This is a cafe filled with delicious cappuccinos for your caffeine fix and other snacks to satiate your hunger if you’re feeling ravenous.

The items are quite costly, but there are offerings here that are worth the purchase.

Popular Dishes to Try

They offer a vast range of gourmet coffee, but the most popular choice to try is the Havanna cappuccino with dulce de leche rim.

Pair it with a cheese-stuffed picanha and you’re all set for an afternoon snack.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriott São Paulo Airport Hotel

26. Sushi Leblon

Rua Dias Ferreira, 256 – Leblon
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22431-050, Brazil
(21) 2512-7830
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Sushi Leblon, which first opened its doors in 1986, is a charming sushi bar with a terrace and an aquarium that serves unique, contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Why It Made The List

Sushi Leblon, located in Rio de Janeiro’s affluent Leblon area, is the city’s most fashionable contemporary Japanese restaurant, with a menu that features excellent fish and egg-based specialties, as well as a diverse assortment of sushi.

Because this is a historic restaurant and famous as the first-ever sushi restaurant in Rio, it can get packed at times, and waiting periods on busy days can be up to an hour.

Popular Dishes to Try

The famed sushi bar is an excellent place to sample the restaurant’s offerings.

We recommend sitting at the bar, where you can watch the chef prepare off-menu sushi.

You can ask your servers what they are and place your order accordingly.

You can also inquire about some of their favorite off-menu dishes, such as charred salmon or toro, as well as salmon with truffle or caviar.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JANEIRO Hotel

27. Jamie’s Italian

Av. Horácio Lafer, 61 – Itaim Bibi
São Paulo – SP, 04538-081, Brazil
(11) 2365-1309
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Jamie’s Italian, with a rustic menu and antipasti bar, is located inside Infinity Tower and is celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s laidback Italian business.

Why It Made The List

This restaurant, situated in the upscale neighborhood of Pinheiros, São Paulo, is the first of its type in Latin America, owned by famous chef Jamie Oliver and serves exactly what it advertises, which is Italian platters.

Although it is owned and overseen by a celebrity chef, it is not as pricey as other high-end restaurants in the country.

Furthermore, the ambiance and popularity are perfect for any event, making it one of the best birthday restaurants in Brazil.

Popular Dishes to Try

Nothing makes more sense than trying the dish that you can see on any website that features this restaurant, which is their famous Prawn Linguine.

It’s filled with fried garlicky prawns with fennel, tomatoes, chili, saffron, fish broth, and lemony rocket.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton São Paulo WTC Hotel

28. Restaurante Manioca

Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 2232 – Jardim Paulistano
São Paulo – SP, 01489-900, Brazil
(11) 2924-2333
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Inside Iguatemi Shopping, Restaurante Manioca specializes in Brazilian cuisine and healthy eating, with vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives.

Why It Made The List

The best of Brazilian cuisine is served in awe-inspiring European splendor, in a welcoming and otherworldly setting.

Drop by in the evenings for an amazing and tasty dinner, then come back again in the morning for the brunch menu, which is quite as impressive.

Popular Dishes to Try

The “Secret of the Cake,” which comprises layers of sponge and brigadeiro frosting alternating with the lovely texture and richness of a mildly sweetened ice cream, is a popular treat worth trying.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Meliá Paulista

29. Mocoto Restaurante

Av. Nossa Sra. do Lorêto, 1100 – Vila Medeiros
São Paulo – SP, 02219-001, Brazil
(11) 2951-3056
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Mocotó is a modern Northeastern restaurant with an art concept that serves delectable traditional meals.

Why It Made The List

Mocotó is a family-run restaurant that reinvents traditional nordestinas meals with innovative twists, making it one of the best restaurants Brazil has to offer.

Everything from the restaurant’s signature mocotó, a cow’s foot stew known to cure hangovers, to favada (fava beans cooked with sausage, bacon, and jerked meat) demonstrates the owner’s inventiveness.

This is the place to savor regional specialties, particularly northeastern Brazilian food and Brazilian drinks in a modern yet elegant environment decorated with stunning Brazilian artwork.

Popular Dishes to Try

Order the famed Dadinhos de Tapioca, which is tapioca cheese curds, and one of the 350 cachaças served at the bar if you have a longer waiting time.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Panamby Guarulhos

30. Churrascaria Palace

R. Rodolfo Dantas, 16 – Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22020-040, Brazil
(21) 2541-5898
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Churrascaria Palace, which was established in 1951, is a well-known luxury restaurant that serves excellent cuts of beef, oysters, and sushi.

Why It Made The List

Customers rave about the lip-smacking delicacies presented buffet-style in one of the best restaurants in Brazil, which is located in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.

If you have a strong desire for seafood and are starving, this is the place that serves a range of seafood, including sea fruits, as well as various salads.

Popular Dishes to Try

With many sorts and cuts of steak and sushi, the vast buffet has a lot to offer.

You can order whatever type of meat you like, or the servers will simply bring pieces to your table.

You’ll almost certainly discover something you like, but it might be overwhelming so make sure to start with smaller bites.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Emiliano Rio

Dining Guide

Comparing Restaurants: Which One Is Right For You?

On the hunt for the best in Brazil on your vacation? 

Let me share some insights from my taste-testing journey during my own. 

At D.O.M, culinary creativity will knock your socks off. 

I’ll never forget the exotic Amazonian flavors, so different from anything I’ve tried before.

Now, switch gears to Mani. 

A blend of traditional and contemporary, it’s like having a family dinner with a twist. 

That tapioca with coconut milk had my taste buds dancing.

A Figueira Rubaiyat is another next-level spot.

Dining under a massive fig tree?

It’s not just food that will have you coming back for more—it’s the experience. 

The juicy steaks and seafood and the ambiance are perfect for family gatherings.

Comparing the three? 

D.O.M is your go-to for adventure, Mani offers comfort with a dash of excitement, and A Figueira Rubaiyat is pure magic with family-friendly flair. 

Whatever you choose, make sure to relish the tastes of Brazil, just as I did.

How I Picked The Restaurants

Get ready to immerse yourself in Brazil’s culinary wonderland.

I’ve done the legwork, sampling, researching, and chatting up locals to bring you the top restaurants in Brazil. 

From innovative dishes to locally sourced delights, each spot tells a unique story. 

Brazil’s got it all, whether you’re craving adventure, comfort, or pure magic. 

Our Restaurant Rating Method 

We rate these restaurants based on the following criteria. 

• Taste & Variety: We use it to evaluate the variety and food quality served at every restaurant. Does the restaurant serve tasty dishes with unique flavors? Does the restaurant’s menu cater to different dietary preferences, like vegetarian and gluten-free? We ask ourselves these questions to evaluate the taste and variety criterion. 
• Service: It’s used to evaluate the quality of service provided by the restaurant’s staff. Are their servers knowledgeable about their food? Are they friendly, prompt, and courteous? These are the important questions whenever we rate the service of every restaurant. 
• Atmosphere: It evaluates the overall ambiance of the restaurant. Is the restaurant comfortable and inviting? Does the restaurant’s atmosphere match the type of cuisine they serve? We consider these factors when evaluating the restaurant’s atmosphere. 
• Affordability: We use this to assess the value of money provided by the restaurant. Are the food portions ideal for the price? Are the guests going to be satisfied with what they pay for? We ask ourselves these questions in order to rate the restaurant’s affordability. 
• Accessibility: It measures how accessible the place is for the guests. Is the restaurant in a convenient location that is easy to get to? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Does it have enough parking space? Is it wheelchair accessible? We use these questions to assess the accessibility of every restaurant. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Most Famous Dish In Sao Paulo?

The most famous dish in Sao Paulo is undoubtedly “Feijoada,” a hearty and flavorful black bean stew traditionally simmered with an assortment of meats. It’s a true culinary icon of the city that brings together rich flavors and cultural heritage.

What Are The Top Restaurants In Brazil That Blend Traditional And Modern Brazilian Cuisine?

Mani, located in São Paulo, is known for its blend of traditional and modern Brazilian cuisine. Chef Helena Rizzo takes inspiration from her roots to craft dishes that are both familiar and inventive. D.O.M in São Paulo is another top restaurant renowned for its innovative use of native Brazilian ingredients. Chef Alex Atala has turned this restaurant into a global sensation by creatively incorporating traditional flavors into contemporary dishes.

What Is The Most Important Meal In Brazil?

In Brazil, the most important meal is lunch. It’s a time when families and friends gather to enjoy a substantial and leisurely meal, often consisting of rice, beans, meat, and salads. It reflects the country’s love for communal dining and diverse flavors.

What Do Brazilians Eat Everyday?

Brazilians are known for their vibrant culinary scene. Rice and beans are staples in most households, often accompanied by grilled meats like churrasco or feijoada, a hearty black bean stew. Fresh fruits, such as acai and papaya, are also enjoyed regularly, reflecting the country’s diverse and delicious everyday cuisine.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to discover the best restaurants in Brazil, this journey through flavors and cultures has been something to savor. 

Brazil’s culinary landscape is filled with unforgettable experiences, from innovative creations to traditional delights. 

And if you’re asking me for the crème de la crème, it’s D.O.M in São Paulo. 

Chef Alex Atala’s genius in crafting dishes that dance on your palate has made it my top choice. 

I’m telling you, a meal here is like a symphony in your mouth. 

Next time you’re in Brazil, don’t just take my word for it—taste the magic yourself.